AFTC Breed Contact

Winnie Stout
Rescue/Placement Coordinator
AFTCRescue@AFTC.org
1 800 FOX TERR

Getting a Fox Terrier

As long as you buy or adopt from a reputable breeder or rescue worker and choose a puppy which is neither timid nor a holy terror, you should have a delightful companion. Fox Terriers have a lot of love to give. As a breed Fox Terriers are more independent than the herding, retrieving or working breeds such as poodles, Shepherds etc. This makes them more of a challenge to train but they are certainly not untrainable! Many have obedience titles and work in search and rescue, circuses, TV etc. They are a high energy breed. lively, cheerful and funny. But after running and playing they will sleep all night on your bed or fall asleep next to you on the couch watching TV. They can along well with other animals if introduced in puppyhood (cats, parrots etc.) In general, Fox Terriers from reputable breeders are extremely healthy and hardy.

I am sometimss asked if there are differences in temperament between males and females or between Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers. Such differences vary widely among individuals and bloodlines, so it is neither fair nor accurate to generalize. Some intact adult males are more prone to be quarrelsome with other male dogs and for this reason it is advisable to have your pet neutered at the age recommended by your veterinarian, usually around 6 months.

Most Fox Terriers get along well with mellow larger breeds but are not usually safe to have as companions for Toy breeds. (the Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Manchester Terrier, etc. are Toy breeds) The average Smooth or Wire Fox Terrier weighs about 20 pounds. If you already have a terrier and are looking for a second dog, it should be of the opposite sex. Two male terriers will almost never be compatible, and two females, rarely.

The following is from my friend and fellow breeder, Anne Beckwith of Halcar Kennels.: "I like to tell people that fox terriers have no clue they are a small dog, they're a 200# dog trapped in an 18# body. They will take on any activity you want. If you want to play ball, great! If you want to lie on the couch and watch TV, they'll cuddle up with you. I've seen many fox terriers peacefully co-exist with cats, but it's not a guarantee. Since terriers were bred to hunt small vermin, they were also selected for their independent thinking abilities. They will not look to you for direction if you don't give them something to do, they'll find something on their own."

Wire Fox Terriers are very popular. Therefore (unfortunately) they are often bred in puppy mills and sold in pet stores. If you are thinking of buying a Fox Terrier from a source other than those I have recommended, proceed with caution. The majority of health problems seen in this breed are in stock from commercial breeders. Reputable breeders have healthy stock and should be willing to guarantee it.

Many people ask if Fox Terriers are good with children and other dogs. Discuss this with any breeder you contact. Traditionally, Fox Terriers are excellent playmates for children. However, it's important that the children are taught to treat the dog with kindness and respect. If you have young children, cats, or other pets it is important to make sure that the dog you are interested in purchasing will be compatible. Some Fox Terriers (as with most other breeds) may be irritated by the noise and activity level of small children and some can grow up to be jealous or aggressive toward other dogs, cats, birds or other small pets. However if you choose and train your puppy wisely, most of these problems should not occur.

I strongly recommend that you purchase your new puppy from a member of the American Fox Terrier Club. We have a code of ethics and our members are people who raise dogs for love and to improve the breed, not for profit. Please let me know if I can be of further help.

Please access the AFTC Fox Terrier Breeders informational website, which carries ads from member breeders, possibly including dogs available for adoption from private breeders, at foxterrierbreeders.info. If you don't see a suitable dog in your area, please contact AFTCRescue@AFTC.org . We will be happy to provide you with additional information.

Adoption and Rescue

Please access the AFTC Fox Terrier Breeders informational website, which carries ads from member breeders, possibly including dogs available for adoption from private breeders, at foxterrierbreeders.info

If you don't see a suitable dog in your area, please contact AFTCRescue@AFTC.org. We will be happy to provide you with additional information.

Traditionally, Fox Terriers are excellent playmates for children. However, most dogs available in rescue are adult animals. If you have young children, cats, or other pets it is important to make sure that the dog you are interested in adopting will be compatible. Mature Fox Terriers (as with most other breeds) who are not used to small children may be irritated by their noise and activity level; dogs not accustomed to living with other dogs, cats, birds or rabbits may be aggressive towards them. You'd be better off purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder that can grow up as a member of the family. I will be happy to provide a list of such breeders.

Most Fox Terriers get along well with calm larger breeds but are not usually safe to have as companions for Toy breeds. (the Yorkshire Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, etc. are Toy breeds) The average Smooth or Wire Fox Terrier weighs about 20 pounds. If you already have a terrier and are looking for a second dog, it should be of the opposite sex. Two male terriers will almost never be compatible, and two females, rarely.